Synthesis and characterization of zeolite based nano-composite: An environment friendly slow release fertilizer

The research deals with assessing the feasibility of using nano-zeolite as support material for the provision of nine out of thirteen primary, secondary and micro-nutrients on slow release basis. The nano-zeolite (NZ) and nano-composite (ZNC), synthesized using simple chemical approach, were characterized by different techniques including FT-IR, powder XRD, SEM/EDX, AFM and TGA/DSC. Physical characterization was also performed by using standard methods. The lab studies showed that there is considerable increase in water retention capacity, water absorbency, equilibrium water content and swelling ratio of ZNC as compared to the NZ which is favorable for maintaining water level in the soil. The nano-composite prepared is safe to use as compared to conventional fertilizers as indicated by salt index value. Nutrients slow release studies carried out in water and soil confirmed the long term availability of all the doped nutrients to the plant over the full crop cultivation period that is suitable for promoting germination, growth, flowering and fruiting. Hence, the results obtained showed that the prepared nano composite materials can be safely used as environment friendly fertilizer. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.